If you have a dog and determine that they need to live indoors, you will need to learn about house dog training principles to get your dog on point. Trying to determine if your dog is going to be an indoor dog or an outdoor dog is one tough decision for some folks. Some are forced into one decision or another because of where they live. Here are some things you need to know about house dog training for your pup.
House Dog Training Principles
Allow your dog plenty of time outside
When a dog is living inside all the time, they can begin to feel cooped up. This is particularly true for the larger breeds but it applies to the little guys too. Being an indoor dog does not mean that you have to keep them from the outside world all the time. Take them out and let them enjoy the park, other dogs and other people. Dogs like to socialize and the efforts will help your dog to train in other areas.
Potty training should start right away
If your new dog has not been potty trained, you need to begin this right away. House dog training begins and ends with a well trained pooch in the potty areas. The last thing you want is a dog that is using the bathroom all over your home. Good potty training requires patience and determination. Get a crate and start your potty training from day one. Use positive reinforcement as a primary source of house dog training.
Routine is your friend
When you have a new dog and you begin training them, having a routine is the single best thing you can do to help your pup. Doing the same thing each day around the same time is a great way to help your dog learn. Routine becomes familiar and the dog will quickly fall into line with what is expected. If every single day is totally different, your dog is likely to be confused and not know what is wanted of them.
Why punishing when they eliminate is ineffective
If you do notice that your dog has gone potty in the house, simply clean it up and move on. When you yell at your dog, slap their bottom with a newspaper or rub their face in it, you are doing far more damage than good. First of all, they are clueless about why you are mad at them. To be effective, the reprimand would have to occur immediately when they use the bathroom inside. Even then, you are going to make them think that using the bathroom is wrong…not using the bathroom inside. Your dog will fear you and be afraid to go potty when you are around. Use positive reinforcement instead and make sure you do so each and every time they go potty outside.
House dog training is not all that tough. It just requires that you persist when things get difficult. Over time your dog will learn all the required steps to being a wonderful indoor dog.
